1996 Dodge Grand Caravan Engine cooling Problems

“For 3 summers in a row, we have had to recharge the air condition system for it to only work 3-4 weeks at a time. Our mechanic says that it isn't that the air conditing unit has failed it seems to be loosing the freon some where.the locks on the van to the tail gate doesn't seem to work correctly, 90% of the time you have to beat on the lock from the out side for it to unlock. We have also replaced the brake pad approx 3 times and they still squeak and seem to grab at times.”

“I own a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan with the mileage around 128,000 miles. Starting in april , we smelled and saw smoke coming from under the hood . We took it to aamco and they checked it out and could find nothing wrong with the car at that time using the diagnostics. A few weeks later, the service engine soon light came on and stayed on steadily and they could find nothing wrong with the van at that time either . The *code* they found said *oxygen sensor* but they reset it . …”

“There are two major problems with my 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan. First there is a serious vibration in the front wheel/tires. I have replaced 8 tires (in 30000 miles!), both front axles, all three motor mounts, and had the transmission overhauled, as well as having three alignment checks. The vibration is still there. The second problem involves the windshield wipers. The front wipers were, for a time, coming on any time they felt like it; this was remedied by replacing the multi function switch on 09/21/01. …”

“Serpentine belt or tensioner clip has had to be repaired 4 times (towed every time) electrical problems since the beginning; turn the key and the windshield wipers start going, turn the key off and the wipers keep going, take the key totally out of the ignition and the wipers go and the dinging alarm that tells you the lights are on or the key is in, starts.(I seriously thought the car was possessed) or turn the key and nothing comes on except the engine. I've replaced the battery 5 times at least - it's usually better w/ a new battery for a little while. …”

“I have a 1996 Dodge Grand Caravan . In september of 2004 the serpentine belt came off in the rain causeing loss of steering and overheating alarm. I replaced the tensioner and belt and thought it was fixed .to date I have had to put the belt back on at least 7 times and replaced it with a new one three times .but the problem is still there wet roads or rain and the belt comes off.looking on the internet I see this is a widespread problem .ive worked on cars most of my life and have never had this kind of problem.have your experts look at the tensioner and idler pulley design they are smooth…”